Nairobi Expressway Announces Disruption Of Key Service, Offers Alternative
Earlier this year, Kenyan motorists have had to pay more to use the Expressway through a government directive on Monday, January 1.
Marvin Chege 
The multi-billion Nairobi Expressway which runs from Mlolongo to James Gichuru Road has been hit by a service disruption affecting motorists using mobile money to pay to use the road via its toll stations.
In a statement, Moja Expressway Company, which is in charge of operations of the 27.1-kilometre elevated road, revealed that the service downtime is a result of an issue raised by the mobile money provider.
The company thus advised motorists to register for the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) service or have cash ready in advance while using the Manual Toll Collection (MTC) lane.
Aerial view of the Nairobi Expressway. /FILE
"We would wish to notify motorists using the Nairobi Expressway of a service downtime affecting payment of toll fees using mobile money due to technicalities from the external mobile money service provider," Moja Expressway announced.
"For your convenience, please register for the ETC service at your nearest Toll Station or prepare cash in advance while using the MTC lane."
The company issued its apologies for the inconvenience caused and stated that it is working closely with the external service provider to resolve the issue.
The Nairobi Expressway is furnished with toll stations that provide for both Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) and Manual Toll Collection (MTC). Motorists have the option of using either.
The ETC Service provided by MOJA allows Toll Points to be electronically deducted through the pre-installed On-Board Unit (OBU) device offering a non-stop road service.
Earlier this year, Kenyan motorists have had to pay more to use the Expressway through a government directive on Monday, January 1.
According to a special Gazette Notice approved by Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, motorists currently pay Ksh500 for a full trip from Mlolongo to Westlands, up from the previous Ksh360.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4B (3) of the Public Roads Toll Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport approves the toll rates for the Nairobi Express Way as set out in the Schedule,” stated the notice in part, which cited the depreciating Shilling against the United States Dollar as the basis for the increase.
“The Base Toll Rates may be adjusted as per the CPI and Exchange Rate on and after the Commercial Operation Date.”
The Ksh88 billion Expressway has 10 exits at Mlolongo, Standard Gauge Railway, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Eastern Bypass, Southern Bypass, Capital Centre, Haile Selassie Avenue, Museum Hill, and Westlands.
